'Dead city' strike call as Zaire awaits more talks

'Dead city' strike call as Zaire awaits more talks

Preparations for a second meeting between Zaire's President Mobutu Sese Seko and the rebel leader, Laurent Kabila, continued yesterday, while calls increased for a "dead city" strike to protest against the rule of the ailing President. Civilians should remain at home, an unsigned pamphlet said, and fly white flags. Soldiers should remain in their camps, also flying white flags - or face bloodshed. "Ville morte" strikes have proved successful in the past, underscoring the lack of popular support for the 66-year old dictator. Tomorrow's strike, if it occurs, would show how far support extends to Mr Kabila. AP - Kinshasa